With the increasing use of radiation and radioactive material in society, there is a growing need for research and advanced education in Radiological Sciences and Protection.

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Overview

The UMass Lowell Master of Science in Radiological Sciences and Protection program is an interdisciplinary program designed for engineering students and students in the biological and physical sciences. The degree is a gateway to certification in Health Physics and securing a career as a higher level professional in radiation safety.

The master's program is designed such that professionals can earn their degree while still working.

Curriculum

Two M.S. degree options are available:

  • Project Option — The project option is recommended for students who do not wish to pursue a doctoral degree. Under the project option, a student must complete a minimum of 27 credits of formal courses and three credits of graduate research for a total of 30 credits. The master’s project consists of an independent and scholarly research effort in the field of radiological sciences.
  • Thesis Option — The thesis option is recommended for students who wish to pursue a doctoral degree. Under the thesis option, a student must complete a minimum of 21 credits of formal courses and nine credits of graduate research for a total of 30 credits. The master’s thesis generally will consist of an independent and scholarly research effort in the field of radiological sciences, involving a theoretical and/or laboratory investigation.

Students are able to select courses and a research project consistent with their desired area of professional development. Various opportunities for research and professional development are possible through the use of our research assets and through cooperative programs with hospitals, nuclear reactor facilities, government laboratories, and other radiation facilities.

For a complete list of courses and academic requirements, please visit the Academic Catalog.

Admission Requirements

For information about the application process and requirements, visit Graduate Admissions.

Why study Radiological Sciences at UMass Lowell?

Student working in reactor.

Scholarship Opportunities

We award roughly $30,000 per year in scholarships, directly for Radiological Sciences students.

Student using remote manipulators in the reactor hot cell

Advance your skills and earn income through paid experiential learning through our laboratories or external partners.

UMass Lowell's quantitative radio chemistry lab set up for analytical and separations chemistry

Advanced Radiation Research Assets

Various opportunities for research and professional development are possible through the use of our research assets.

  • 1 million watt nuclear reactor 
  • 5.5 million volt particle accelerator 
  • Nuclear forensics and radiochemistry facility 
  • Radiation imaging suite 
  • Neutron activation analysis lab 
Chemical/Nuclear Engineering student working in reactor.

Workforce Shortages

Over the last few decades the Radiological Sciences field has seen a drastic decline of the workforce while the use of radiation continues to increase.

This has resulted in many opportunities for our trained Health Physicists working in the radiation protection sectors across the globe.

Career Outcomes

Our graduates at all degree levels typically are offered a good-to-great paying job upon graduation or even before they graduate.

  • M.S. starting salaries range between $60K-130K
Student working around the reactor smiling

Our graduates are employed as radiation safety professionals in: 

  • National laboratories
  • Radiopharmaceuticals production
  • Universities
  • Hospitals
  • Government agencies
  • Carbon-free clean energy production 
  • Biotech and other industries 
  • Consulting firms

Meet Our Students

Cassia Fontes wears a graduation cap while she floats in an inflatable tube in a water tank at UMass Lowell
Cassia Fontes ’22, ’23
Radiological Sciences and Protection

Double River Hawk Cassia Fontes’ work with the Radiation Safety Office has set her apart in the job market.

I’m getting attention from all these companies because of the opportunities UMass Lowell gave me.
Read More About Cassia Fontes 
Simone Peironnet in a hazmat suit.
Simone Peironnet '22, '23
Radiological Sciences and Protection

Simone Peironnet secured a job with Boeing as a health physicist before graduating from UMass Lowell.

Studying radiological sciences at UMass Lowell was the best training and education combination I ever could have gotten.
Read More About Simone Peironnet 
Alexis Day seated outdoors in front of a wall with a sign that says Boston Children's Hospital.
Alexis Day ’17, ’19
Radiological Sciences and Protection

Alexis Day ’17, ’19, a senior health physicist at Boston Children’s Hospital, followed in the footsteps of her grandmother Terry LaFrance ’90.

UMass Lowell makes it possible for people who are working full time to still get a master’s degree.
Read More About Alexis Day 

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Contact Us

For more information, please contact: 

Mark A. Tries
Associate Professor, Coordinator - Radiological Sciences
978-934-3353
Mark_Tries@uml.edu